Take-out Box

ABSTRACT

A carry out box formed of a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded having front, bottom, first and second side walls; a sealable top closure; a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of the container; a plurality of corner folds disposed at each end of the first and second sidewalls in the vertical plane, each the corner fold folded toward the corner fold sharing a common sidewall therewith in the same plane and parallel to the common sidewall, each corner fold having an overlapping portion with a opening therethrough. The opening in each corner fold portion is disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a reinforced opening therethrough. The box also features a handle having two ends, the handle extending in a loop over the top closure with the first handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the first side wall and anchored therein. The second handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the second side wall and anchored therein.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to the field of disposable containers and more particularly to an easily assembled take out box for foodstuffs or other contents.

II. Background

Take out boxes for foodstuffs or other contents with carry handles are commonly used for carry out or take out orders for foods. These containers provide their users with inexpensive and efficient containers to transport and store prepared hot food or other foodstuffs for short periods until ready to be consumed. These boxes, when constructed of paper products, are often coated with materials to make them resistant to liquids and heat that would ordinarily saturate the pores of the paper within a few minutes and cause leaking. Often these containers incorporate metal handles by which the container can be easily handled.

Storage of assembled boxes often presents difficulties, since the storage of large quantities of assembled boxes is often hindered by the inability to stack and efficiently access larger quantities of these containers when in their assembled form. Also, the assembled containers are often very similar in appearance, complicating the identification of particular boxes when stacked. Also existing boxes are somewhat generic in appearance and generally do not lend themselves to the incorporation of structures and shapes that allow one to easily distinguish one container for another, as well as the incorporation of structures and shapes that may be customized for a particular theme or vendor.

III. Summary of the Invention

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container formed of a single sheet of material that is configurable for a theme.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container design that has a distinctive shape and readily identifiable as coming from a particular vendor.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container design that has an extended panel that is configurable and shaped for a particular theme.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container that is configurable to deliver an advertising or marketing message.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container that is microwave safe.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container that has a reinforced structure to prevent spilling.

It is a further object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container design that is stackable for storage purposes.

One embodiment of the present invention is a container formed from a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded to provide a front, back, bottom, first and second side walls including corner folds, and a top closure, the container features a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of the container. In this particular embodiment the container features corner folds folded parallel to the contiguous sidewall, each pair of the corner folds contiguous to a common sidewall having a portion that overlaps when folded in parallel to the contiguous sidewall, the overlapping portion of each corner fold having a opening therein disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a opening therethrough.

The container features a handle having two ends, the handle extending in a loop over the top closure with the first handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the first side wall and anchored therein, the second handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the second side wall and anchored therein.

In at least one embodiment the invention discloses a carry out box formed of a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded having front, bottom, first and second side walls; a sealable top closure, and a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of the container. The carry out box has a plurality of corner folds disposed at each end of the first and second sidewalls in the vertical plane, each the corner fold folded toward the corner fold sharing a common sidewall therewith in the same plane and parallel to the common sidewall.

Each corner fold has an overlapping portion with an opening therethrough, and the opening in each corner fold portion disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a reinforced opening therethrough. The carry out box also has a handle, the handle extending in a loop over the top closure with the first handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the first side wall and anchored therein, the second handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the second side wall and anchored therein.

In at least one embodiment the invention discloses a container formed from a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded to provide a front, back, bottom, first and second side walls including corner folds, and a top closure, the container having a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of the container. The contain features corner folds folded parallel to the contiguous sidewall, each pair of the corner folds contiguous to a common sidewall having a portion that overlaps when folded in parallel to the contiguous sidewall, the overlapping portion of each corner fold adapted to provide a reinforced means for attaching a handle to the container.

As used herein “substantially”, “generally”, and other words of degree, are used as a relative modifier intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification and wherein like numerals and letters refer to like parts wherever they occur:

FIG. 1 Illustrates an example embodiment of a single sheet of flexible material cut and scored enabling it to be folded into a food container having an extended back wall.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the shingle sheet of flexible material shown in FIG. 1 assembled into a food container having an extended back wall incorporating structure and indicia relating to Valentine's day or similar theme.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a single sheet of assembled into a food container having an extended back wall incorporating structure and indicia relating to the quality of the product.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a single sheet of assembled into a food container having an extended wall incorporating structure and indicia relating to a Christmas theme.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a single sheet of assembled into a food container having an extended back wall incorporating structure and indicia relating to a marketing scheme focusing on the vendor's service.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a single sheet of assembled into a food container having an extended back wall incorporating structure and indicia relating to marketing a theme regarding the vendor's delivery service.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a single sheet of assembled into a food container having an extended back wall incorporating structure and indicia relating to the food products country of origin.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures wherein like reference numbers denote like elements, FIG. 1 shows a an example of a single sheet 100 of flexible material cut and scored to enabling it to be folded into a food container. The scores denoted, by dotted lines, illustrate the assorted folds in the sheet defining the surfaces of the assembled container 200 shown in FIG. 2.

In the example embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the single sheet 100 features scores and folds defining front 105, back 110, bottom 130, and first and second side walls 115, 116. The scores of the example sheet 100 also define a plurality of corner folds, 120, 121 and panels 140 that when folded ultimately form a top closure 240. The back wall 210 of the assembled container features an integral panel 211 extending substantially above the assembled container top 240 formed by the extended portions 111 of the sheet 100, forming the back wall of the container 210.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, corner folds 120, 121 are folded parallel to the contiguous sidewall 115, 116. Referring now to the assembled container shown in FIG. 2 each pair of corner folds 220, 221 is disposed contiguous to a common sidewall 216, and 215, respectively, and have a portion that overlaps 230 when folded in parallel to the contiguous sidewall. The overlapping portion of each corner fold has a opening therein 123, 122 disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a opening therethrough 222.

A handle 255 having two ends, extends in a loop over the top closure 240 of the assembled container 200 with the first handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the first side wall 215 and anchored therein, the second handle end passing through the opening 222 formed by the overlapping portion 230 of the corner fold adjacent to the second side wall 216 and anchored therein. The overlapping portion 230 of the corner folds providing a reinforcing structure for the openings 222 through which the handle is anchored.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention in addition to the reinforcing effect that the overlapping portion corner folds have the openings formed by the corner folds have at least one additional reinforcing structure disposed therein, and the handle ends are secured to the corner folds through the reinforcing structure.

The reinforcing structure may take the form of a thicker material incorporated in to the area around with the opening is disposed or through additional components added to that portion of the corner fold to strengthen and reinforce the structure.

In an exemplary embodiment the reinforcing structure is a structural ring attached to at least one corner fold contiguous to each sidewall.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 the corner folds 120, 121 incorporate a structural ring 125 attached to the corner folds 120, 121 providing additional reinforcing structure to reinforce the corner fold openings 122 through which in the assembled container the handle passes. With particular reference to FIG. 2 which shows the assembled container 200, the reinforcing structural ring 225 is disposed in the opening 222 formed in by the overlapping portion 230 of corner folds 221 adjacent the side wall 215 of the assembled container 200.

In yet another exemplary embodiment the at least one reinforcing structure and the handle are nonmetallic allowing the contents of the container to be heated using a microwave or similar type oven.

The back wall 210 of the assembled container features an integral panel 211 extending substantially above the assembled container top 240 formed by the extended portions 111 of the sheet 100, forming the back wall of the container 210.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the extended back wall 211 extends substantially beyond the container top 240 may be configured accept indicia from at plurality of themes. The assembled container may be configured to accept indicia from the group consisting of printed material, graphic designs, graphic pictures, art, literary matter, educational matter, marketing matter and indications of select discrete events.

In addition to being configurable for various indicia, the extended back wall 211 provides ease of storage for the assembled containers 200. The extended back wall 211 allows easy stacking of the assembled containers providing additional stability for stacking and storing large quantities of assembled containers and allows the configuration and identity of the stored containers to be easily identified.

An additional attribute is that irrespective of the color of the container the origins of or the content of the assembled container can be readily identified by the consumer. Take out from a vendor using this invention is now instantly recognizable and may be easily distinguished from a market competitor by simply glancing at the container.

The example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 features indicia representative of Valentines Day or a love theme as illustrated by the portion of the extended back wall having a heart shape 212. The extended back wall 211 may be configured to provide a background in any particular shape or design by cutting or scoring the extended back panel 111 to project the desired shape or feature when assembled.

The back wall extending substantially beyond the container top may be adapted to display a marketing message or an advertising theme. In addition the extended back wall of the assembled container may be configured to form an ornamental shape projecting up from the back wall.

In another exemplary embodiment the back wall is configured to display a banner design with indicia relating to a banner integrated into the shape of the back wall 211. FIG. 3 shows illustrates an example embodiment where the back wall 311 of the assembled container 300 is configured and constructed to incorporate the shape of indicia incorporating a banner or award 312.

In yet another exemplary embodiment the back wall is configured to display a holiday theme with indicia relating to a Christmas tree integrated into the shape of the back wall. FIG. 4 shows illustrates an example embodiment of an assembled container 400 where the back wall 411 is configured and constructed to incorporate the shape and/or other indicia incorporating a Christmas tree 412.

In another exemplary embodiment the back wall is configured to display a banner design with indicia relating to a marketing theme is incorporated onto the back wall. FIG. 5 shows illustrates an example embodiment of an assembled container 500 where the back wall 511 is configured to deliver a marketing message, indicia and incorporate a related shape 512.

In another exemplary embodiment the back wall of an assembled container is configured to display a banner design with indicia relating to a marketing theme is incorporated onto the back wall. FIG. 6 shows illustrates an example embodiment showing an assembled container 600 where the back wall 611 is configured to deliver a marketing message and/or other indicia incorporating a related shape 612.

In another exemplary embodiment the back wall of an assembled container is configured to display a banner design with indicia relating to a marketing theme is incorporated onto the back wall. FIG. 7 shows illustrates an example embodiment showing an assembled container 700 where the back wall 711 is configured to deliver a marketing message regarding the products country of origin and/or other indicia incorporating a related shape 712.

In yet another embodiment the carry out container the exterior of the assembled container is configured accept indicia from at least one of the group consisting of printed material, graphic designs, graphic pictures, art, literary matter, educational matter, marketing matter and indications of select discrete events.

In another embodiment the container is formed from a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded to provide a front, back, bottom, first and second side walls including corner folds, and a top closure. The container features a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of the container and corner folds folded parallel to the contiguous sidewall, each pair of the corner folds contiguous to a common sidewall having a portion that overlaps when folded in parallel to the contiguous sidewall, the overlapping portion of each corner fold adapted to provide a reinforced means for attaching a handle to the container.

Yet another embodiment of the disclosed invention is a carry out box formed of a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded having front, bottom, first and second side walls and a sealable top closure as well as a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of the container. The container also has a plurality of corner folds disposed at each end of the first and second sidewalls in the vertical plane, each the corner fold folded toward the corner fold sharing a common sidewall therewith in the same plane and parallel to the common sidewall, each corner fold having an overlapping portion with an opening therethrough.

The opening in each corner fold portion is disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a reinforced opening therethrough. The container also has a handle having two ends, the handle extending in a loop over the top closure with the first handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the first side wall and anchored therein, the second handle end passing through the opening formed by the overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to the second side wall and anchored therein.

Given the foregoing, it should be apparent that the specific described embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, variations and modifications to the invention should now be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. These variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A food container formed from a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded to provide a front, back, bottom, first and second side walls including corner folds, and a top closure, said container comprising: a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of said container; corner folds folded parallel to the contiguous sidewall, each pair of said corner folds contiguous to a common sidewall having a portion that overlaps when folded in parallel to the contiguous sidewall, said overlapping portion of each corner fold having a opening therein disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a opening therethrough; a handle having two ends, said handle extending in a loop over said top closure with said first handle end passing through the opening formed by said overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to said first side wall and anchored therein, said second handle end passing through the opening formed by said overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to said second side wall and anchored therein.
 2. The food container of claim 1 wherein said back wall extending substantially beyond said container top adapted to display an advertising theme.
 3. The food container of claim 1 wherein said back wall extending substantially beyond said container top is adapted to display a marketing message.
 4. The food container of claim 1, wherein said extended portion of said back wall of said assembled container forms an ornamental shape projecting up from the back wall.
 5. The food container of claim 1 wherein each of said openings formed by said corner folds have at least one reinforcing structure disposed therein, and said handle ends are secured to said corner folds through said reinforcing structure.
 6. The food container of claim 5 wherein said reinforcing structure is a structural ring attached to at least one corner fold contiguous to each sidewall.
 7. The food container of claim 6 wherein said at least one reinforcing structure is nonmetallic.
 8. The food container of claim 7 wherein said handle is nonmetallic.
 9. The food container of claim 1 wherein the exterior of said assembled container is configured accept indicia from at least one of the group consisting of printed material, graphic designs, graphic pictures, art, literary matter, educational matter, marketing matter and indications of select discrete events.
 10. A container formed from a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded to provide a front, back, bottom, first and second side walls including corner folds, and a top closure, said container comprising: a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of said container; corner folds folded parallel to the contiguous sidewall, each pair of said corner folds contiguous to a common sidewall having a portion that overlaps when folded in parallel to the contiguous sidewall, said overlapping portion of each corner fold adapted to provide a reinforced means for attaching a handle to said container.
 11. A carry out box formed of a single sheet of flexible material cut, scored and folded comprising: front, bottom, first and second side walls; a sealable top closure; a back wall having an integral panel extending substantially above the assembled container top formed by the folded material forming the back wall of said container; a plurality of corner folds disposed at each end of said first and second sidewalls in the vertical plane, each said corner fold folded toward the corner fold sharing a common sidewall therewith in the same plane and parallel to said common sidewall, each corner fold having an overlapping portion with a opening therethrough; said opening in each corner fold portion disposed to align with the opening in the overlapping corner fold forming a reinforced opening therethrough; a handle having two ends, said handle extending in a loop over said top closure with said first handle end passing through the opening formed by said overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to said first side wall and anchored therein, said second handle end passing through the opening formed by said overlapping portion of the corner fold adjacent to said second side wall and anchored therein. 